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Late at night—
Tang San sighed as he gazed at the Blue Silver Grass in his hand.
"What kind of martial soul isn't considered trash? Only trash soul masters exist.
Am I such a trash soul master? If it weren't for this useless martial soul holding me back, how could I have possibly been defeated?
Yu Xiaogang, oh Yu Xiaogang—had I not trained under Father's guidance, I wouldn't have realized that you've been deceiving me all along."
Dispersing the Blue Silver Grass in his hand, Tang San raised his left hand and grasped the Hao Tian Hammer. Staring at the gem embedded on its surface, Tang San fell into deep contemplation.
Over the past two years, he hadn't hesitated to ask Tang Hao about training with the Hao Tian Hammer. However, each time, he was firmly rejected without hesitation.
Tang San sighed again. "Forget it, forget it. Patience is key; impatience only ruins the bigger plan. Although Father hasn't told me everything about our family, I'm certain we must have a formidable enemy. Otherwise, why would my mother have disappeared when I was young? After all, Father is so powerful."
Clearly, over these two years, Tang Hao had revealed some of his strength to Tang San—but not the full picture.
This half-truth approach was indeed maddening.
At the very least, Tang San now spent his days fantasizing about the various ways he'd annihilate his enemies once he grew stronger. Revenge for his mother—it was an intoxicating thought.
Suppressing the chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind, Tang San's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Yu Xiaogang, oh Yu Xiaogang—you dared to deceive me like this. Then taste the special gift I prepared just for you. Breaking through to level 30 will indeed raise your cultivation...Â
But as the price, you'll only have one year left to live. Cherish the little time you have remaining."
For Tang San, kindness might go unrepaid, but vengeance—regardless of the means—was always returned!
Had Yu Xiaogang not held the title of his sole teacher, Tang San would have long since dealt with this old fraudster himself.
Thus, while ensuring his reputation remained intact, Tang San naturally resorted to the treacherous method of poisoning.
However, adhering to the principle of "waste not, want not," Tang San first staged a grand act of generosity by gifting pills to everyone else. While their pills were harmless, Yu Xiaogang's contained something extra!
Gradually, Tang San entered a deep meditative state, relying on the Xuan Tian Technique to suppress the growing malice within him. Truly, the orthodox techniques of the Xuan Sect were incredibly effective.
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Meanwhile, Ye Wen was enjoying hotpot and singing songs, living his carefree life.
But peace never lasts forever.
When Dugu Bo summoned him to the main hall, Ye Wen felt puzzled. He hadn't come into his full power yet, and matters concerning the Medical Alliance shouldn't fall under his jurisdiction. So why was he being called?
However, given the recent exhaustion from internal competition, Ye Wen decided to see what nonsense Dugu Bo was up to and headed over without hesitation.
Upon entering the main hall, Ye Wen spotted three familiar figures besides Dugu Bo.
The three Education Committee members of Tian Dou—what were they doing here? And why summon him?
Ye Wen was perplexed, but he still respectfully greeted Dugu Bo with a bow before asking:
"Teacher, why have you called me here?"
Dugu Bo yawned. The mountain of paperwork recently had even exhausted him, a Title Douluo, leaving him feeling drained. With a weary tone, he explained:
"Oh, it's like this, Xiao Wen. You and the other girls are all under twenty-five, right?Â
So they want you to help prop up the scene. In recent decades, Tian Dou Empire's performance has been lackluster, and they want to use you to save face.
But ultimately, it's up to you. If you want to go, then go. If you don't, no one can force you."
As he spoke, Dugu Bo subtly glanced at the three Education Committee members.
Instantly, the trio squirmed uncomfortably in their seats. Their shameless tactic of borrowing strong fighters was already embarrassing enough, let alone approaching a Title Douluo for help.
But the three Soul Douluos had their grievances.
It was an order from Emperor Xue Ye—they couldn't ignore it. Moreover, after Yu Tianheng's withdrawal from school, Dugu Yan lost interest in leading the team, spending her days slacking off with Ye Lingling.
Even their agile attacker, Yu Feng, had mysteriously dropped out recently. Now, they couldn't even assemble a full team for the tournament—not even for the second squad, let alone the first.
Their performances had already been dismal in the past, but now, with this lineup, they feared they wouldn't even make it into the top ten.
Additionally, although Prince Xue Xing nominally managed the academy, the real teaching responsibilities rested on the shoulders of these three committee members. If the results turned out poorly, the prince wouldn't suffer—but their reputations as Soul Douluos would be utterly destroyed!
To face social death again at their age?! They couldn't bear it!
Despite their reluctance, the three had no choice but to seek aid from the Medical Alliance.
Seeing the desperate gazes of the three elders, Ye Wen felt somewhat helpless. How had his low-profile development led to this situation?
"Friend Ye Wen, please help us."
Seeing Ye Wen hesitate, the three crafty committee members immediately sensed an opportunity. They quickly stood up and began their moral blackmail routine.
Ye Wen rolled his eyes inwardly. What era were they living in? Did they really think this would work on him?
As long as I have no morals, no one can blackmail me!
With that, Ye Wen said, "Alright, I agree—but I have a condition."
The three committee members' faces lit up instantly. Whatever conditions Ye Wen had, they were ready to comply. "If you agree to participate, any condition isn't a problem!"
But Ye Wen wasn't interested in Tian Dou Empire's meager offerings. Even if they offered him the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud, it might be worth considering.
But that treasure was a national heirloom—more precious than soul bones. Even a fool like Ye Wen knew Emperor Xue Ye wouldn't part with it for a mere competition.
After careful consideration, Ye Wen calculated that his side already had three Title Douluo-level fighters, plus the backing of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, making a total of five Title Douluos. Gaining a bit of fame wouldn't hurt.
Moreover, Ye Wen had recently planned to recruit the Breaking Clan, bringing the total to six Title Douluo-level forces—almost rivaling half the Elder Hall's public strength in the Spirit Hall.
With all this firepower, why hold back?
If Ye Wen remembered correctly, the grand prize for this year's Soul Master Tournament was three soul bones—a highly sought-after currency in the Douluo Continent, both now and in the future.
Among them was an extremely rare head soul bone, which made Ye Wen's eyes gleam with desire!
Thus, decisiveness was key. Indecision would only lead to chaos. Ye Wen bluntly stated that the final tournament prizes would belong to him and demanded two million gold spirit coins from the imperial family as his participation fee.
Two million gold spirit coins sounded like a lot, but for the Tian Dou Imperial Family, it was pocket change. After all, even Prince Xue Xing had spent hundreds of thousands of gold spirit coins on a single female slave.
As for the tournament's final rewards?
With half a year left until the competition, the Spirit Hall hadn't announced anything yet. Based on past trends, it would likely be some ordinary honors, gold spirit coins, and noble titles from various countries—hardly worth mentioning.
Thus, the three committee members agreed without a second thought.
In the end, with a slightly eerie smile, both parties reached a friendly cooperative agreement.
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